The 28-year-old former Blackpool and Oldham star is hoping to play two more games before going under the knife - Friday's return League One promotion play-off semi-final against Southend and the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday week.

The Supporters' Club's Player of the Year pulled out of last Friday's first leg at Roots Hall on the day of the game after reporting a tightness in his groin following a light workout earlier in the day.

Wellens resumed training yesterday and will train again tomorrow following the players' day off today. But it is unlikely that he will be involved in Friday's session ahead of the game.

"Hopefully Richie will be available for Friday," said Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll.

"The problem is that his situation can change day to day. Richie will make the decision on whether he is fit to play, as he did last Friday, on the day of the game."

Fellow midfielder Brian Stock, who "tweaked" an ankle in Friday's match, also trained yesterday and he is again set to lead the side.

Striker Jason Price is still troubled by the hamstring problem which has dogged him for several weeks and will again be "nursed" during the week to cut the risk of aggravating the injury ahead of the club's biggest home game of the season.

Centre-back Steve Roberts will not be available but could be in the frame for Wembley were Rovers to make their first ever appearance at the national stadium. But doubts remain over fellow defender Adam Lockwood, sidelined with a foot injury since the game against Leeds at the start of last month.

"Adam is back in training but it still feels a bit uncomfortable at times so we'll have to monitor the situation," said O'Driscoll.

O'Driscoll again warned that the semi-final was still far from decided despite Rovers having held the Shrimpers to a goalless draw at Roots Hall - his view having been enforced by Carlisle's win at Leeds on Monday.

Said O'Driscoll, who was in the crowd at Elland Road: "Home legs are notoriously hard to win in the play-offs. There were only three home wins in the play-offs last season so nobody is thinking that the job is already done. It is going to be very difficult."

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